Scene: Talent on display at Gala of Dreams

The Gala of Dreams on April 6 showcased the talents of students at The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts — a new name for the school that is planning a new home in south Bethlehem.

The sold-out 10th anniversary event, which raised funds to benefit the school's arts and academic programs and its capital campaign, attracted 325 guests to the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. Dancers performed in the main lobby while theater students greeted guests at the elevators. Upstairs, outside of the Musikfest Cafe, caricature artists captured the personalities of attendees while guitar students played mellow music. Ventriloquist Matthew Bailey performed.

Alex Rice, class of 2008, was master of ceremonies for the evening. Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts Executive Director Diane LaBelle opened the formal program before a dinner of filet mignon and shrimp was served. State Sen. Pat Browne offered an official proclamation.

The presentation included a video made by the Acerra Group of student alumni interviews and an architectural rendering of the high school's new campus at Third and Polk streets.

Students performed on stage during the meal, and a live auction featuring vacation getaways, a private party in the Lehigh Valley IronPigs suite donated by Coca-Cola of the Lehigh Valley and a gold ring with heart-shaped diamonds contributed by the Lehigh Valley Jewelry Exchange was conducted afterward by Kim Hemmingway. The evening finished with dancing to the James Gerard Orchestra.

The presenting sponsors for the evening were Phillips Pet Food & Supplies and Jefferson-Werner, LLC.